The Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Clara 2E share many great features for avid book lovers, including audiobook support with Bluetooth wireless audio, adjustable brightness, blue light reduction and access to thousands of eBooks via the built-in eBookstore. The former is the bigger device and it comes with a couple more features while the latter is the smaller and cheaper device that’s designed for portability. So which one is the best choice for you?
In this article, we will be diving into the details of these two e-readers, comparing their design, features, and performance to help you determine which one is the better option for your reading needs.
Kobo Libra 2 vs Clara 2E Comparison Chart
Design and Display
The Kobo Libra 2 has a larger screen, but the Kobo Clara 2E is more portable.
The Kobo Libra 2 has a sleek and modern design, with a 7-inch display that is both lightweight and compact. It has an adjustable front light that allows for reading in any lighting conditions, and the device’s touch screen display is responsive and easy to use. The bezels surrounding the screen are a bit thick, but that’s because it has dedicated page turn buttons.
The Kobo Clara 2E, on the other hand, has a slightly different design, featuring a 6-inch E Ink display that is also lightweight and compact. This device also has a built-in front light, and the bezels surrounding the screen are are about the same size as the Kobo Libra 2’s. The Kobo Libra 2 measures 5.69 x 6.36 x 0.35 inches and it weighs 0.47lbs. Meanwhile, the Kobo Clara 2E is smaller at 4.41 x 6.26 x 0.34 inches and it’s also lighter at 0.38lbs. When it comes to portability, the Kobo Clara 2E is easier to carry around.
As for their displays, both the Kobo Libra 2 and the Kobo Clara 2E have high-resolution, glare-free screens. The Kobo Libra 2’s 7-inch screen provides a slightly larger display than the Kobo Clara 2e’s 6-inch screen, but both displays are optimized for reading and offer sharp text and vivid images, with a PPI of 300.
As for durability, both are designed to be used indoors and outdoors. They are both rated IPX8, so they can survive even when submerged in water two meters deep to up to 30 minutes.
Features
The Kobo Libra 2 has more storage space than the Kobo Clara 2E, and it comes with a couple more extra features.
The Kobo Libra 2 has a couple of features that set it apart from the Kobo Clara 2E. One of these features is its dedicated page turn buttons that are there for convenience. Additionally, the Kobo Libra 2 has a landscape mode which is excellent if you want to read horizontally, and is another convenience feature. Meanwhile, the Kobo Clara 2E has a smaller form factor and it’s lighter, so it’s easier on your arms when reading for extended periods.
Both e-readers have Bluetooth audio support for listening to audiobooks. You can purchase eBooks and audiobooks in the always open built-in Kobo store. Additionally, both e-readers allow you to save and read online articles via Pocket, and borrow library eBooks. Other features that they share include ComfortLight PRO (blue light reduction) and the ability to be sideloaded with various customization apps since they aren’t completely locked down.
In terms of storage, the Kobo Libra 2 has 32GB of internal storage, which is double that of the Kobo Clara 2E. This means you can store more books and files on the Kobo Libra 2 without having to worry about running out of space. Having the extra space on the Kobo Libra 2 is an important factor when choosing between these two e-readers since they don’t have SD card slots.
Click here to read our Kobo Clara 2E vs HD comparison
Performance
The Kobo Libra 2 and Clara 2E offer similar reading performance.
Both the Kobo Libra 2 and the Kobo Clara 2E deliver a great reading experience. The high-resolution displays on both devices offer clear and sharp text, and the front lights make it easy to read in any lighting conditions. That said, the dedicated page turn buttons on the Kobo Libra 2 can be a major factor when it comes to convenience and ease of use.
One important aspect to consider when comparing the performance of these two devices is their weight. The Kobo Libra 2 weighs in at just 0.48lbs, making it lightweight and easy to hold for extended periods of time. The Kobo Clara 2E, on the other hand, is even lighter, weighing in at just 0.38lbs. This makes it an ideal option for those who want a compact and lightweight e-reader.
As for battery life, both the Kobo Libra 2 and Clara 2E can last weeks on a single full charge. Of course, the actual runtime will depend on various factors such as whether you’re listening to audiobooks with Bluetooth earbuds, the brightness settings and more. Both devices have USB-C charging ports.
Verdict
The Kobo Libra 2 is an excellent e-reader if you want a larger screen, on the other hand, if you value portability more, then the Kobo Clara 2E is the better choice.
Kobo Libra 2
Kobo Clara 2E
Both the Kobo Libra 2 and Clara 2E are excellent e-readers, and choosing between the two will come down to personal preference as they offer similar performance. If you want an e-reader with a larger screen, the obvious choice is the Kobo Libra 2. It also has more storage space and it comes with a couple extra convenience features. One downside is that it’s more expensive. If you want something smaller and easier to travel with, the Kobo Clara 2E is the perfect device for you. It’s lightweight and more compact with its 6-inch screen. It’s cheaper too.
FAQs
The Kobo Libra 2 has a larger screen with landscape mode and page turn buttons. On the other hand, the Kobo Clara 2E is smaller and lighter.
Yes, you can install various apps on the Kobo Libra 2.
Yes, but only with Bluetooth earbuds since it doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Yes, the Kobo Libra 2’s display is touchscreen.